By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
Like getting lost in the mountains, one can easily get lost in Judy Winter’s paintings.
The feature artist at Sagebrushers Gallery in Oliver will have a number of acrylic pieces to get lost in on October 29th.
The art exhibit from 2 – 4 p.m. at 6200 Main Street will feature mountain landscapes to “lift people’s spirits.”
The artist from the East Kootenays uses the impasto technique to give her mountains that natural, craggy look. Impasto is a thick application of paint, which Winter describes as a “porridge texture.” Once applied, it brings the painting alive.
“I want to give people that feeling of joy that you get when surrounded by nature.”
Winter said a lot of people are feeling insecure about the future, but she believes that can be remedied by the continual connection with the environment.
The artist tries to take a big view of the world through the use of colour palettes including blue, purple and turquoise. Deep down she feels the need for people with power to stop and realize what they are doing in the world.
Winter said she focuses on being true to herself and making the most of her gifts by sharing them with the public.
Winter has been painting all of her life, starting at the age of five. Her parents were journalists, which is why the family moved around a lot. In fact, they moved at least 51 times, Winter recalled.
In her 20’s and 30’s, she wrote short stories and worked as a freelance writer. She also became a nurse at one point.
While writing offered her much creativity, Winter chose art as the ultimate way to express herself and release stress.
“Painting is freedom, you choose your medium, the colours . . . everything is open, there are no boundaries.”
Sally Franks from the Sagebrushers Gallery said they will have a feature artist each month, so she invites the public to drop by and see what’s on display.
